Rav Ariel Bar Tzadok, KosherTorah.com, has a free online audio teaching about Passover.
Listen and enjoy.
http://www.koshertorah.com/of32812pesah.mp3
Listen and enjoy.
http://www.koshertorah.com/of32812pesah.mp3
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Puppy Love
I adopted a puppy. Oh, I have been wanting to do this for a very long time! YEARS! After I lost my sweet black labby girl, Twila whom I adored, I finally decided to find a dog that I can carry in a tote! Well, Sunday afternoon, I adopted a very sweet Chihuahua puppy who is almost 8 weeks old. I named her Pixie!
Nothing lifts the spirits more than the love of a baby!
Nothing lifts the spirits more than the love of a baby!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Shabbat
Shabbat is the Hebrew word for Sabbath and it is observed (Judaism) from dusk on Friday night to dusk on Saturday night. Why not just a day, starting with the morning until night? In the Tanach, God tells the Israelites to observe the Shabbat, the day of rest. A day in the Tanach starts with dusk. Genesis 1:4: God called to the light: "Day," and to the darkness He called:"Night." And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
The Talmud (Oral Law) which was handed down from Moses to Aaron and so forth and also a guide line in how to observe the Mitzvot (613 laws) is a type of "fence" that instructs how to observe with out risking error.
For the sake of non Jews who read my blog, it is not necessary for non Jews to observe these 613 commands (instructions), for many are just for the Israelites ( Jews). For instance, there is a command that Israel's land be at "rest" from agriculture, to allow a rest time for the land.
It has been agreed many, many years ago among the Rabbis that non Jews continue to observe the Noahide Laws. These are also mentioned in the New Testament Christian Bible, when considered by the apostles of Jesus. They also agreed that non Jews were to accept the Noahide Laws instead of accepting circumcision in which Jews practice. The Covenant between Jews and God).
Never were non Jews held to the 613 laws at any time, unless a non Jew converts.
Shabbat is a time of communion with God. Leaving all earthly matters aside.
What can one do on Shabbat? Well, it depends on if one is Reform, Orthodox, or Conservative.
The Conservative and Orthodox are more closer in this matter with the exception that Conservative allows for the congregant to drive to the synagogue on the Sabbath...given that they drive no place else.
There are some do's and don'ts on Shabbat:
Can not do:
Do not light a fire or extinguish a fire and that includes turning on electricity. Jews prepare their meals before hand or keep a pot on the stove that is lit prior to Shabbat and turned off when Shabbat is over.
Do not create any thing, which includes writing, drawing, sewing, knitting, cutting, and anything that would be considered making and creating. (God rested on the 7th day).
Do not drive a car (Orthodox).
Don't walk over a mile.
Carry anything that is outside of the stated perimeter. A woman's purse is fine, however.
Buy or sell anything. (Christians have a misconception that Jesus was mad because they were buying and selling at the Temple. The vendors were selling outside the court and this was allowed for vendors to sell animals to be sacrificed when Jews went to the Temple prior to Shabbat).
Gardening isn't allowed because one would be creating.
Baking as in creating a lump of dough and baking. No mixing such as water into oatmeal.
The Do's of Shabbat:
Walk under a mile.
Play games that don't require writing or creating.
Swimming or any other sport that would not include any creating, driving, or igniting fire, extinguishing a fire, or hunting.
Sex with your married partner.
Reading, telling stories, or any other pass time that doesn't involve writing, creating, or igniting a fire or extinguishing a fire.
Saving a life. Anything to be done to save a life of a human or an animal. Caring for the sick and wounded.
The trouble is that non Jewish friends have a hard time understanding these things. They might say something like: "Let's go to a movie, I will buy and what harm is that?" Or they might say: "turning on a switch isn't work!" It's at those times one has to really explain to them that these things can not be done.
Non Jews are not required to observe what Jews observe but there are Noahide Laws that they are to observe.
Many years ago, Christians had their own set of rules to how to observe their Sunday Sabbath. These rules have fallen to the way side. It used to be that Christians, too, did not work on their Sabbath, nor did they buy or sell. That has changed. The Christian Sabbath is looked upon a day to go to church but everything else is ok....watching TV, cooking, cleaning, gardening, mowing the lawn, and so forth is not forbidden or frowned upon.
Judaism 101:
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
Noahide Laws:
http://www.noahide.org/
The Talmud (Oral Law) which was handed down from Moses to Aaron and so forth and also a guide line in how to observe the Mitzvot (613 laws) is a type of "fence" that instructs how to observe with out risking error.
For the sake of non Jews who read my blog, it is not necessary for non Jews to observe these 613 commands (instructions), for many are just for the Israelites ( Jews). For instance, there is a command that Israel's land be at "rest" from agriculture, to allow a rest time for the land.
It has been agreed many, many years ago among the Rabbis that non Jews continue to observe the Noahide Laws. These are also mentioned in the New Testament Christian Bible, when considered by the apostles of Jesus. They also agreed that non Jews were to accept the Noahide Laws instead of accepting circumcision in which Jews practice. The Covenant between Jews and God).
Never were non Jews held to the 613 laws at any time, unless a non Jew converts.
Shabbat is a time of communion with God. Leaving all earthly matters aside.
What can one do on Shabbat? Well, it depends on if one is Reform, Orthodox, or Conservative.
The Conservative and Orthodox are more closer in this matter with the exception that Conservative allows for the congregant to drive to the synagogue on the Sabbath...given that they drive no place else.
There are some do's and don'ts on Shabbat:
Can not do:
Do not light a fire or extinguish a fire and that includes turning on electricity. Jews prepare their meals before hand or keep a pot on the stove that is lit prior to Shabbat and turned off when Shabbat is over.
Do not create any thing, which includes writing, drawing, sewing, knitting, cutting, and anything that would be considered making and creating. (God rested on the 7th day).
Do not drive a car (Orthodox).
Don't walk over a mile.
Carry anything that is outside of the stated perimeter. A woman's purse is fine, however.
Buy or sell anything. (Christians have a misconception that Jesus was mad because they were buying and selling at the Temple. The vendors were selling outside the court and this was allowed for vendors to sell animals to be sacrificed when Jews went to the Temple prior to Shabbat).
Gardening isn't allowed because one would be creating.
Baking as in creating a lump of dough and baking. No mixing such as water into oatmeal.
The Do's of Shabbat:
Walk under a mile.
Play games that don't require writing or creating.
Swimming or any other sport that would not include any creating, driving, or igniting fire, extinguishing a fire, or hunting.
Sex with your married partner.
Reading, telling stories, or any other pass time that doesn't involve writing, creating, or igniting a fire or extinguishing a fire.
Saving a life. Anything to be done to save a life of a human or an animal. Caring for the sick and wounded.
The trouble is that non Jewish friends have a hard time understanding these things. They might say something like: "Let's go to a movie, I will buy and what harm is that?" Or they might say: "turning on a switch isn't work!" It's at those times one has to really explain to them that these things can not be done.
Non Jews are not required to observe what Jews observe but there are Noahide Laws that they are to observe.
Many years ago, Christians had their own set of rules to how to observe their Sunday Sabbath. These rules have fallen to the way side. It used to be that Christians, too, did not work on their Sabbath, nor did they buy or sell. That has changed. The Christian Sabbath is looked upon a day to go to church but everything else is ok....watching TV, cooking, cleaning, gardening, mowing the lawn, and so forth is not forbidden or frowned upon.
Judaism 101:
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
Noahide Laws:
http://www.noahide.org/
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
When Tragedy Strikes
All of us have had some kind of tragedy in our lives, whether it is loss of someone close to us or a loss of our lively hood. The true test of such matters is in how we respond. Do we lean on God more or do we part ways in believing in Him who has created us? I can tell you that I have had my share of losses. A sister of mine took her own life and a best friend of mine took her own life, too. I lost my parents, one from illness and the other simply because it was her time. The pain is tremendous but some how we muster ourselves to continue on.
The deaths of the Rabbi and the children in Toulouse, France was horrific. Gunned down by an Islam terrorist who hates Jews. Senseless murder of children and a Rabbi. There are truly evil people that live in this world and evil can come at any time to anybody, in whatever form. How sad it is to read that this murderer not only succeeded in taking the lives of innocent people but also took away the faith of the children's great aunt, who proclaimed that she lost faith in God from this tragedy.
It is natural in our anguish and despair to turn away from God and we ask, "how could God allow this to happen?" After certain events happened in my life, I too, asked the "whys". I set out on a quest to find something to help me understand and I admit, I found no concrete answers. Some tell us that this is karma, some say that we have to work on learning what we need to learn. These reasons do not console but just bring up more questions. Did Daniel Perl do something so horrific to deserve having his head barbarically cut off? There are mysteries that are hidden and I suppose that only when we enter into the other side of life will we know the reasons, the whys.
My heart goes out to the families that experience tragedies and it would be safe to say that my heart goes out to everyone on earth.
The best thing that I can think of to tell you is that we need to be there for each other. Helping in whatever way that we can. Tragedy will strike, it's as sure as the seasons will change. This is life on earth and either we react by leaning on God more or we can fail ourselves by believing that God doesn't care.
My advice to those who have lost and are full of anguish, stay close to God more than ever and keep close to family and friends. No matter how you feel and what you may think, closing doors to others who care about you will not do anyone any bit of good. If all seems futile, contact professionals that can help.
The deaths of the Rabbi and the children in Toulouse, France was horrific. Gunned down by an Islam terrorist who hates Jews. Senseless murder of children and a Rabbi. There are truly evil people that live in this world and evil can come at any time to anybody, in whatever form. How sad it is to read that this murderer not only succeeded in taking the lives of innocent people but also took away the faith of the children's great aunt, who proclaimed that she lost faith in God from this tragedy.
It is natural in our anguish and despair to turn away from God and we ask, "how could God allow this to happen?" After certain events happened in my life, I too, asked the "whys". I set out on a quest to find something to help me understand and I admit, I found no concrete answers. Some tell us that this is karma, some say that we have to work on learning what we need to learn. These reasons do not console but just bring up more questions. Did Daniel Perl do something so horrific to deserve having his head barbarically cut off? There are mysteries that are hidden and I suppose that only when we enter into the other side of life will we know the reasons, the whys.
My heart goes out to the families that experience tragedies and it would be safe to say that my heart goes out to everyone on earth.
The best thing that I can think of to tell you is that we need to be there for each other. Helping in whatever way that we can. Tragedy will strike, it's as sure as the seasons will change. This is life on earth and either we react by leaning on God more or we can fail ourselves by believing that God doesn't care.
My advice to those who have lost and are full of anguish, stay close to God more than ever and keep close to family and friends. No matter how you feel and what you may think, closing doors to others who care about you will not do anyone any bit of good. If all seems futile, contact professionals that can help.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Spring is Here
Winter can seem to be so long and dragged out. Lack of sunshine and low energy can hinder our spirits and cause us to be depressed, frustrated, or just plain lazy. A lot of us gain weight during the winter months which doesn't help our attitude. Now that spring is here, the sun's warmth and light refreshes us, lifts our moods and we feel better. Watch nature. See and listen to life coming back. Take the time to enjoy the renewing of God's creation.
What's neat about spring is that it's warming up but not hot. It's a great time to get involved in new projects and cooking great, healthy, low fat meals. Keeping ourselves light and hardy, feeling healthy in every way helps us spiritually as well as mentally.
Pick up some fresh flowers, go for walks, listen to soothing music, it's time to be refreshed and renewed!
Meditation:
In a quiet place inside or out doors, sit in a comfortable chair or position. Breath deep and relax, with inhaling
raise your tummy and exhale slowly. Imagine that you are some where with nature, perhaps in an enchanted forest that has deer and other creatures. Imagine that you can go up to these kind creatures and tell them hello. You see in the forest beautiful wild flowers and trees. Colorful and serene is the forest.
Go where you will in your nature experience, don't forget to hear the sounds as well.
When you are finished, return slowly by counting to 3 and then open your eyes.
A start to a great week: fruit salad. Oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, and other fruit that will help you be healthy and give you energy.
May this spring season bring you energy and wonderful renewal!
What's neat about spring is that it's warming up but not hot. It's a great time to get involved in new projects and cooking great, healthy, low fat meals. Keeping ourselves light and hardy, feeling healthy in every way helps us spiritually as well as mentally.
Pick up some fresh flowers, go for walks, listen to soothing music, it's time to be refreshed and renewed!
Meditation:
In a quiet place inside or out doors, sit in a comfortable chair or position. Breath deep and relax, with inhaling
raise your tummy and exhale slowly. Imagine that you are some where with nature, perhaps in an enchanted forest that has deer and other creatures. Imagine that you can go up to these kind creatures and tell them hello. You see in the forest beautiful wild flowers and trees. Colorful and serene is the forest.
Go where you will in your nature experience, don't forget to hear the sounds as well.
When you are finished, return slowly by counting to 3 and then open your eyes.
A start to a great week: fruit salad. Oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, and other fruit that will help you be healthy and give you energy.
May this spring season bring you energy and wonderful renewal!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Pesach
Pesach is coming. On the Jewish calendar it is the 15th day of the month of Nisan and that means April 6th at sun down for 2012 (5772).
Observant Jews do not wait until the last day! Oh no! We start about a month before Pesach starts.
Spring cleaning you say? Well, no. Pesach isn't about spring cleaning. Pesach lasts for 8 days around the world but 7 days in Israel. Pesach means to "pass over", hence most call this time Passover.
The object of getting ready for this time is to clean all the chametz out of the home. That means to get rid of any yeast/leaven from the home which includes any kind of food that has been made with leaven and corn, popcorn, rice or anything that rises. Nothing with leaven can be eaten in these 8 days but instead meat, dairy, vegetables, and fruit or any kind of product that is not made with yeast/leaven such as matzos (a special wafer that is made of flour but no yeast).
The Biblical story of the Exodus tells us that when the Israelites were finally allowed to leave Egypt, they had to leave in haste and their bread had no time to rise. Also, getting the chametz out of the home symbolizes for us to purify ourselves and be Holy like God has commanded us to do. In other words, get the sin out and teshuvah (repent).
The story is not just something that we read about in the past but it is also to be reflected on for ourselves, each individual and how we trust in God through trying times, desert times.
The home is prepared starting a month ahead by cleaning and organizing. Getting the "sin out" can take time in many of us! I start by making a list of what to do and what to buy. From there I start checking on the proper untensils and plates, for special cooking ware and dishes are to be used that never touched chametz.
Just days before Pesach, I clean like crazy and down to the last hour, I make sure that no chametz is in the home, checking curtains, cupboards, coat pockets, purses, and even cleaning out the car!
I also like to go over recipes and find new things to have for snacks and dinners. Matzo pizza is really good!
To learn more about Pesach, visit: http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm
My Pesach Experiences:
I do recall one time I thought I would be really frugal and make my own matzah. Not a good idea! I think I will stick to the grocery store Kosher for Passover!
I did a puppet play (the story of the Exodus) with my two daughters one year. That was fun.
I sew my own afikomen cloth and decorate....that is fun, too.
I watch craft videos to come up with new and fun ideas.
Pesach is wonderful when you celebrate it with family and friends!
Beautiful flower arrangements makes Pesach bright and cheery.
Don't forget the music! If you have a musician in your group, don't forget to play Dayenu!
After the Israelites left Egypt, God had a very important proposition for them. Something that would change the world forever. This was the Commandments. Moses was summoned by God to meet with Him atop Mt. Sinai and so it was and Moses presented God's Commandments to the people below Mt. Sinai. The people accepted and they became the light unto the nations.
A reality of the story is about freedom. As you probably know, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt and God heard their cries, Moses was the man to take on the task and the Israelites were finally given their freedom.
To be free isn't an easy venture. It takes time, effort, and most often sacrifice and loss of lives. Yes, for the Israelites, to gain freedom was hard work and lives were lost when they entered their promised land.
So, today in my land where I reside, a country that is "free". America is a land of the free but losing hold on certain liberties. Our Constitution is being attacked by those who believe in an evil ideology called communism. This Pesach I feel that I need to reflect on not just myself and my deserts that I have had to endure but I would like to think and pray for America and Israel both, for freedom is precious and a blessing from God.
Happy Passover, Chag Pesach Same'ach.
Matzo Pizza:
Matzo Kosher for Passover big crackers, no salt.
Kosher for Passover tomato pizza sauce
Kosher for Passover cheese
Veggies including olives/pre cooked if need be.
Cracker, sauce, cheese- shredded, and veggies spread out on cracker on baking sheet, bake until cheese is melted.
NOTE: This year, 2012, Pesach begins at dusk on Shabbat (Sabbath).
Observant Jews do not wait until the last day! Oh no! We start about a month before Pesach starts.
Spring cleaning you say? Well, no. Pesach isn't about spring cleaning. Pesach lasts for 8 days around the world but 7 days in Israel. Pesach means to "pass over", hence most call this time Passover.
The object of getting ready for this time is to clean all the chametz out of the home. That means to get rid of any yeast/leaven from the home which includes any kind of food that has been made with leaven and corn, popcorn, rice or anything that rises. Nothing with leaven can be eaten in these 8 days but instead meat, dairy, vegetables, and fruit or any kind of product that is not made with yeast/leaven such as matzos (a special wafer that is made of flour but no yeast).
The Biblical story of the Exodus tells us that when the Israelites were finally allowed to leave Egypt, they had to leave in haste and their bread had no time to rise. Also, getting the chametz out of the home symbolizes for us to purify ourselves and be Holy like God has commanded us to do. In other words, get the sin out and teshuvah (repent).
The story is not just something that we read about in the past but it is also to be reflected on for ourselves, each individual and how we trust in God through trying times, desert times.
The home is prepared starting a month ahead by cleaning and organizing. Getting the "sin out" can take time in many of us! I start by making a list of what to do and what to buy. From there I start checking on the proper untensils and plates, for special cooking ware and dishes are to be used that never touched chametz.
Just days before Pesach, I clean like crazy and down to the last hour, I make sure that no chametz is in the home, checking curtains, cupboards, coat pockets, purses, and even cleaning out the car!
I also like to go over recipes and find new things to have for snacks and dinners. Matzo pizza is really good!
To learn more about Pesach, visit: http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm
My Pesach Experiences:
I do recall one time I thought I would be really frugal and make my own matzah. Not a good idea! I think I will stick to the grocery store Kosher for Passover!
I did a puppet play (the story of the Exodus) with my two daughters one year. That was fun.
I sew my own afikomen cloth and decorate....that is fun, too.
I watch craft videos to come up with new and fun ideas.
Pesach is wonderful when you celebrate it with family and friends!
Beautiful flower arrangements makes Pesach bright and cheery.
Don't forget the music! If you have a musician in your group, don't forget to play Dayenu!
After the Israelites left Egypt, God had a very important proposition for them. Something that would change the world forever. This was the Commandments. Moses was summoned by God to meet with Him atop Mt. Sinai and so it was and Moses presented God's Commandments to the people below Mt. Sinai. The people accepted and they became the light unto the nations.
A reality of the story is about freedom. As you probably know, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt and God heard their cries, Moses was the man to take on the task and the Israelites were finally given their freedom.
To be free isn't an easy venture. It takes time, effort, and most often sacrifice and loss of lives. Yes, for the Israelites, to gain freedom was hard work and lives were lost when they entered their promised land.
So, today in my land where I reside, a country that is "free". America is a land of the free but losing hold on certain liberties. Our Constitution is being attacked by those who believe in an evil ideology called communism. This Pesach I feel that I need to reflect on not just myself and my deserts that I have had to endure but I would like to think and pray for America and Israel both, for freedom is precious and a blessing from God.
Happy Passover, Chag Pesach Same'ach.
Matzo Pizza:
Matzo Kosher for Passover big crackers, no salt.
Kosher for Passover tomato pizza sauce
Kosher for Passover cheese
Veggies including olives/pre cooked if need be.
Cracker, sauce, cheese- shredded, and veggies spread out on cracker on baking sheet, bake until cheese is melted.
NOTE: This year, 2012, Pesach begins at dusk on Shabbat (Sabbath).
Monday, March 12, 2012
Let Your Ears Hear....
I am sure that you have heard it be told that the Torah is the Living Word of God. You probably also heard that His Word is Truth and that God created all things with sound. Scientists of course have been on to something with this and they call it string theory. Some people who know Hebrew have put the letters of Hebrew into sound. Listen to the beautiful music from God.
Music from the Torah:
http://ad2004.com/shopping/muftt.html
http://www.musicfromgod.com/
Scroll down for a sample:
Video: http://www.musicfromgod.com/project.html
HARRARI's Harps (King David's Harps):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO5uA-IPV0E&feature=related
Music from the Torah:
http://ad2004.com/shopping/muftt.html
http://www.musicfromgod.com/
Scroll down for a sample:
Video: http://www.musicfromgod.com/project.html
HARRARI's Harps (King David's Harps):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO5uA-IPV0E&feature=related
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Purim
Purim starts pretty soon! The story of Esther is celebrated. The story of how a queen, a queen who was Jewish, saved her people from annihilation. Maybe you have read the story in the Bible. Maybe you have wondered why
the Jewish people celebrate this day. In modern times, the Jews are to "bring to life" certain observances in order to reflect on who they are personally and what they endure. For instance, at the time of the Exodus from Egypt, wandering in the desert....can we relate to how our own personal life is to this event? Has there been a "desert" in your life? What did you experience and how did it help you become closer to God? So too, with the story of Esther. Has there been a time in your life or perhaps many times in your life that you felt that you were against some type of adversity? How did you over come it and did it help you come closer to God?
Queen Esther had learned that the evil Haman had evil plans for the Jewish people. With help from her uncle who raised her (Mordechai), they over came this sinister enemy and saved the Jewish people.
I have had many obstacles and trials to over come in my life time. But even though it seemed like God wasn't there with me, He really was. When I look back at a lot of what I went through, I understand the why's. Not all the time do I understand, but many experiences I do understand. I celebrate the Story of Esther, Purim, for I know God is with me and yes, like the saying goes, "there is a reason for everything".
the Jewish people celebrate this day. In modern times, the Jews are to "bring to life" certain observances in order to reflect on who they are personally and what they endure. For instance, at the time of the Exodus from Egypt, wandering in the desert....can we relate to how our own personal life is to this event? Has there been a "desert" in your life? What did you experience and how did it help you become closer to God? So too, with the story of Esther. Has there been a time in your life or perhaps many times in your life that you felt that you were against some type of adversity? How did you over come it and did it help you come closer to God?
Queen Esther had learned that the evil Haman had evil plans for the Jewish people. With help from her uncle who raised her (Mordechai), they over came this sinister enemy and saved the Jewish people.
I have had many obstacles and trials to over come in my life time. But even though it seemed like God wasn't there with me, He really was. When I look back at a lot of what I went through, I understand the why's. Not all the time do I understand, but many experiences I do understand. I celebrate the Story of Esther, Purim, for I know God is with me and yes, like the saying goes, "there is a reason for everything".
A Mother's Love
How far do we go to protect our children? How far do we go to ensure that our children are happy?
A mother's love goes beyond nurturing, if she is wise, she will raise her child to also be loving and giving.
She will raise her child to respect others. She will raise her child to yearn for knowledge and truth. She will raise her child to be obedient not only to be obedient to her but to be obedient to the child's father and other authority in the child's life. To let a child go their own way with out proper instruction is to deny the child a great blue print for a happy life.
The Tanach/Bible instructs in which way the child should go. It is a manual for all parents regardless of their
religious beliefs.
A loving mother is also a prudent mother who understands how to raise a happy and productive human soul.
A mother's love goes beyond nurturing, if she is wise, she will raise her child to also be loving and giving.
She will raise her child to respect others. She will raise her child to yearn for knowledge and truth. She will raise her child to be obedient not only to be obedient to her but to be obedient to the child's father and other authority in the child's life. To let a child go their own way with out proper instruction is to deny the child a great blue print for a happy life.
The Tanach/Bible instructs in which way the child should go. It is a manual for all parents regardless of their
religious beliefs.
A loving mother is also a prudent mother who understands how to raise a happy and productive human soul.
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